Two pensioners from Scotland will be living life in the fast lane this month when they take part in the 600cc sidecar races at the Isle of Man TT.

Robin Daykin, 74, and wife Annette, 62, from Aberdeenshire, will race in the TT later this month after giving up a more sedate life on their Aberdeenshire farm eight years ago.

Robin and Annette sold their croft and dipped into their savings to invest in a 600cc Royal Enfield, which they used to compete in Club Classic races, but their desire to be competing at the front of the grid quickly led to them investing in a Yamaha R6.

The couple have raced under the banner of Team Past It after a young competitor told Mr Daykin he was too slow but they have managed to build up a strong following in the paddock, with one Facebook group campaigning for a film to be made about their story.

And it’s not the first time that Robin, who turns 75 next week, has ridden the famous TT Mountain circuit, after first competing in sidecar racing at the Manx Grand Prix mountain circuit in 1957, aged 20.

“Last time we went to the Isle of Man we had a fabulous time and we can’t wait to go back,” he told the Mail.

Mr Daykin has already fought his way through troubles that would have finished many a track career.

Three years ago he learned he had prostate cancer and then weeks later he suffered a broken neck in a high-speed crash.

He said: “I had a bit of a rough time. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and then I broke my neck in a racing accident in Wales.

“But despite all the pain, it’s safe to say my fortunes really turned around. 12 weeks later, I had fully recovered from both the prostate cancer and the broken neck.”

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